Community & Outreach at City Academy
As a Community Interest Company (CIC), City Academy is committed to delivering meaningful social impact through the arts. We believe that access to creative education and cultural participation should not be limited by financial circumstance, background, or profession. Our Community & Outreach programme reflects this commitment by widening access, supporting local organisations, and contributing to a more inclusive and connected creative community.
Through space provision, financial assistance, ticket access, fundraising support, and bursaries, we aim to ensure our impact extends beyond our studios and into the wider community.
Our Community Commitment
City Academy exists not only as a training provider but as a community-focused organisation with a responsibility to deliver public benefit. We actively support charities, schools, community groups, essential workers, and individuals who may otherwise face barriers to participation in the arts.
Our outreach work is guided by a commitment to:
- Increasing access to arts and cultural experiences
- Supporting underrepresented and financially constrained communities
- Promoting inclusion, equity, and opportunity
- Building meaningful local partnerships
- Contributing positively to social and cultural wellbeing
We are proud to formalise this work through a transparent and structured Community & Outreach framework.
HOW WE SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY
Space & Facilities Support
Access to professional space can be a significant barrier for many organisations. Where availability allows, City Academy provides complimentary studio space to registered charities, schools, and community groups for rehearsals, workshops, and small-scale events. We also host donation collection points in reception to support charitable initiatives.
By sharing our facilities responsibly, we aim to empower grassroots organisations and support the wider creative and community ecosystem.
Access to Arts & Cultural Experiences
Participation in cultural life plays a vital role in wellbeing, confidence, and community connection. We work to reduce financial barriers by offering:
- Complimentary tickets to selected events
- Charity voucher donations
- Raffle prizes and fundraising contributions for schools and community organisations
- Discounted access through selected community partnerships
These contributions help widen access to the arts while supporting fundraising efforts for important causes.
Financial Support & Bursaries
Financial circumstances should not prevent talented individuals from accessing training and performance opportunities. City Academy provides targeted support through:
- Discounted access for NHS workers and carers
- One-year bursary placements within selected training programmes, including MT Company and Advanced Ballet
Our bursaries are designed to create structured opportunities for artistic development, progression, and confidence-building, supporting greater inclusion within the performing arts.
Community Fundraising Support
We recognise the vital work carried out by charities, schools, and community organisations. Through event vouchers, raffle prizes, and charitable contributions, we help support fundraising initiatives that strengthen local communities.
By contributing to these efforts, we extend our impact beyond direct participants and support the sustainability of organisations working across education, health, wellbeing, and social development.
Who Can Apply
Community support is available to:
- Registered charities
- Community Interest Companies (CICs)
- Schools and educational institutions
- Local community groups
- Individuals applying for bursaries
- NHS workers and carers (for discount eligibility)
We prioritise organisations and individuals whose work aligns with our mission to increase access and inclusion within the arts.
Application & Request Process
Smaller requests, such as raffle prizes or fundraising vouchers, may be considered on a rolling basis throughout the year.
Larger-scale support - including studio space allocations, significant ticket contributions, and bursary placements -is reviewed during designated application windows held twice per year. This structured process ensures fairness, transparency, and sustainability in how resources are distributed.
Full details of application timelines and criteria are available via our Community Support application form.
Our Impact
As part of our commitment to accountability as a CIC, we aim to track and share the impact of our outreach activities. This includes the number of organisations supported, studio hours provided, bursaries awarded, and the overall value of community contributions.
Through structured and transparent community engagement, City Academy seeks to contribute meaningfully to a more accessible, inclusive, and vibrant arts sector.
Sign up for our
Newsletter
Tailored news, the latest offers and industry advice straight to your inbox.
Read our privacy policy.